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Barrow woman’s skull fractured in attack

A VIOLENT thug has been jailed for six years after fracturing a Barrow woman’s skull with an elephant statue.

DARREN DORAN

Fiona Dennison was found lying in a pool of blood by her daughter after the unprovoked attack by Darren Doran.

Preston Crown Court heard yesterday how the 34-year-old lost his temper during an argument.

Doran pleaded guilty to a charge of wounding with intent on January 28.

The court was told that at the time of the attack in Longway, Barrow, Miss Dennison’s daughter was in bed when she heard a sound like someone falling over.

Miss Jane Dagnall, prosecuting, said there was a big thud, followed by lots of thud noises. Miss Dennison was heard shouting faintly “help”.

She was found lying on the floor and the elephant plant ornament was on her head.

Miss Dagnall said: “She described losing consciousness and having vomited several times. The wound was sutured. She was sent for a CT scan, which confirmed there were multiple fractures of the skull.”

In a victim personal statement, Miss Dennison said she didn’t deserve the beating. As a result of the assault, she has had trouble sleeping, has kept waking up and reliving parts of the attack and has not felt safe in her own home.

Miss Dagnall said the woman no longer wanted anything to do with Doran.

Doran had 75 previous offences to his name, including assaulting a previous partner.

Miss Lisa Ke, defending, said: “He is extremely remorseful. He has said he can’t forgive himself.”

Doran was given a four-year extended licence after his prison term and made the subject of a restraining order for an indefinite period.